Wang, "The Japanese mainstream media in the Sino-Japanese rapprochement, 1964--1972," 2004

Zhen Wang, M.A.

Abstract (Summary)
This thesis analyzes the controversy over the alleged bias of the Japanese press coverage of China from 1966 to 1972. The core of the controversy is whether or not it was ethical for the Japanese press to "promote" the Sino-Japanese rapprochement. Much of this thesis consists of content analysis of reports on China by the two leading Japanese dailies, the Asahi Shimbun and the Mainichi Shimbun . The main argument is two-fold. First, the Japanese journalistic institutions and journalists' self-identity were different from their American counterparts. Second, by looking at the personal background and political affiliation of the accusers and defenders, it is also found that the debate on the objectivity of the Japanese reporting of China is in effect a reflection of Japan's internal conflict over her changing China policy.

Advisor: Berger, Gordon